Ultimate Guide to Calla Lily Winter Care
Are you a lover of the elegant and vibrant calla lilies, but not sure how to care for them during the cold winter months? Not to worry! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure your calla lilies thrive year after year. From in-ground care to lifting, dividing, and storing rhizomes, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of calla lily winter care.
What You’ll Learn
Are you wondering whether to leave your calla lilies in the ground or lift them for winter storage? We’ll help you make that decision and guide you through the process step by step. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s ahead:
- Should They Stay or Should They Go?
- In-Ground Care
- Lift, Clean, Divide, and Cure
- Winter Storage Tips
- Schedule Wellness Checks
- Bog and Pond Plants
Should They Stay or Should They Go?
Calla lilies, also known as arum lilies, are tender perennials that hail from the tropics. In regions ranging from Zones 8 to 11, where temperatures are milder, calla lilies can be left in the ground to overwinter. However, in colder climates, specifically Zones 7 and below, it’s essential to lift and store the cold-sensitive rhizomes for protection against the harsh winter weather.
In-Ground Care
Proper in-ground care is crucial for overwintering calla lily rhizomes. To avoid issues such as rhizome rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining. As fall approaches and the plants start to go dormant, stop watering them once all flowering has finished. Trim the foliage back to ground level once it turns brown and dies off, and add a layer of mulch over the root zone for insulation against the cold.
While most calla lilies require a period of dormancy, the evergreen Z. aethiopica is an exception. You can keep this variety looking lush throughout the year by ensuring adequate sun exposure and moisture levels. Additionally, if your calla lilies are starting to decline in flower production, consider lifting and storing them for winter, then dividing and replanting in the spring to rejuvenate their vigor.
Lift, Clean, Divide, and Cure
For calla lilies that need to be lifted and stored, wait until after the first light frost has damaged the foliage, making it easy to pull away from the base. Use sterile garden shears to trim back any remaining leaves and stems, then carefully lift the rhizomes from the soil.
After shaking off excess dirt, gently divide the rhizomes using a sharp knife, ensuring that each section you cut has a visible eye. Apply a natural fungicide to prevent rot and insect damage, then cure the rhizomes by spacing them out on a tray for 7-10 days to form a protective outer skin.
Winter Storage Tips
When it comes to storing your calla lily rhizomes, choose a vented container lined with dry substrate such as coconut coir or peat moss. Keep the container in a frost-free, low-humidity environment with temperatures between 40 and 50°F. Regularly check the rhizomes for signs of rot or dryness, and mist them lightly if needed to prevent drying out completely.
Schedule Wellness Checks
To ensure your rhizomes stay healthy in storage, perform monthly wellness checks. Look out for mold, rot, or dryness, and take appropriate measures to preserve the health of your plants. Come spring, when temperatures have warmed up, you can replant your calla lilies for another season of colorful blooms.
Bog and Pond Plants
If you’re growing semi-aquatic calla lily species in bogs or ponds, it’s crucial to monitor water temperatures to ensure they remain above 65°F. In colder climates, you may need to bring these plants indoors for the winter, allowing them to go dormant until temperatures rise again in the spring. Regularly check the soil moisture and provide adequate light and water for indoor calla lilies to thrive.
With their vibrant flowers and elegant foliage, calla lilies make a stunning addition to any garden. By following these winter care tips, you can ensure your plants survive the cold season and bloom beautifully year after year. Share your winter storage methods in the comments below and stay tuned for more tips on caring for these lovely flowers.
For further reading on calla lilies, check out these articles:
- How to Grow Calla Lilies for Easy Sophistication
- 21 of the Best Calla Lilies for Sensational Summer Blooms
- 7 Reasons for Drooping Calla Lilies
Remember, a little TLC goes a long way when it comes to caring for your calla lilies. Happy gardening!
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